What's best for country isn't always what's best for club, as made clear by this week's dance among the Canucks, Team USA and the NHL.

Hughes was named to the U.S. roster in June but bowed out due to an oblique injury. He can't play unless another defenseman is unavailable.

The Vancouver Canucks defenseman, who had to drop out of the tournament Feb. 9 because of an undisclosed injury, practiced for a second straight day in Vancouver on Wednesday, this time with a regular jersey. He practiced Tuesday in a red, non-contact jersey.

Despite a bold proclamation from Mike Sullivan that “Quinn Hughes is coming,” the defenseman will not, in fact, be traveling for the 4 Nations Face-Off final.

Team USA said Quinn Hughes was flying to Boston to join them at least as emergency depth. But Hughes was still in Vancouver and unsure of his status.

BOSTON — A day after Team USA coach Mike Sullivan said that Quinn Hughes was headed to Boston to replace injured Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy at the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, the Canucks superstar defenseman remains in Western Canada.

The Americans will have Sabres center Tage Thompson and Devils defenseman Brett Pesce as injury insurance for the championship game, sources said.

With Hughes unavailable, Team USA has extended invitations to Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson and New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce to join the team in Boston as injury replacements. Like Hughes, Thompson and Pesce would only be available to play if another member of the team is unable to play.

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Charlie McAvoy is out with a shoulder infection and Quinn Hughes isn't likely to be, also. The Vancouver Canucks captain -- sidelined with an oblique injury since Jan. 31 -- practiced for the second straight day on Wednesday in Vancouver,

The 4 Nations Face-Off final is scheduled for Thursday at TD Garden. As many predicted, the championship game will feature Team USA battling Team Canada, adding another chapter to one of hockey's greatest rivalries. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 pm PT and can be viewed on Sportsnet.

In a strange turn of events, Quinn Hughes has remained in Vancouver on Tuesday despite a report that he's heading to Boston for the 4 Nations Face-Off Final. Earlier on Tuesday, it was announced ...